Singapore, May 23 – Health authorities in Singapore have reported an increase in COVID-19 cases during the period between May 10 and May 16, with approximately 12,700 infections recorded, according to official data released on Thursday.
The previous week had recorded around 8,000 cases, indicating a noticeable rise in infections. Authorities also stated that average daily hospital admissions increased from 56 to 73 during the same period.
However, Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) clarified that the number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases remains low, averaging around one case per day. Officials stated that the country’s healthcare system is currently capable of handling the increase in infections.
According to the CDA, the rise in cases may be linked to waning immunity among the population and the circulation of the NB.1.8.1 sub-variant, which evolved from the JN.1 strain. The agency noted that this variant currently accounts for more than half of the locally sequenced COVID-19 cases in Singapore.
Health authorities also stated that existing COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide protection against currently circulating variants. The agency emphasized that there is currently no evidence suggesting that the locally circulating strains spread faster or cause more severe illness compared to earlier variants.
Officials said they are continuing to monitor the situation closely alongside other seasonal respiratory illnesses circulating in the community.
